MIAMI FOOTBALL

RedHawk tight end enjoying, contributing in final year

By MIKE SMITH
For whom the bell tolls!
At one point during the offseason, Brian Shane thought the bell was tolling for him -- telling him it was time to retire from college football. 
Then came another bell -- a phone call from Miami football Head Coach Chuck Martin. 

"I came in as a walk-on," recalled Shane, a 6-3, 234-pound tight end from . . . 

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. . . nearby Archbishop Alter  "For four years, I didn't really play much, except on special teams and goal line packages here and there."

He continued, "I actually retired after last year, and I was going to ... get a job. Then coach Martin called me and said, 'We really think you should come back. We really think there is a big opportunity ahead for you. I did (come back), and I'm glad I did."

So are the RedHawks, who plugged Shane in as a blocking back for quarterback protection during Saturday's win over Northern Illinois. 

According to Shane, starting RB Kenny Tracy got injured during the week. His backup, Josh Ringer, went down during pregame drills at NIU. 

Miami still had Jordan Brunson to carry the ball (and he finished with 20 carries for 73 yards). However, the RedHawks needed third down help for pass protection situations. Tight end coach Pat Walsh found Shane and gave him the news -- you're playing third down back today.!

"I hadn't taken a snap at that since spring ball.," Shane said. 

What concerns he did have were before the kickoff. 

"I started thinking about the different pressures they had and ... where I've got to be at. So, I had a lot on my mind pregame, but then when I got out there, it was pretty natural."

"Luckily, in our tight end room, we really pride outselves on not only knowing our job, but knowing what the whole offense is doing -- (including) knowing what the running back is doing in protections." Shane continued.  "Coach Walsh does an amazing job of really getting us ready to play -- whatever position and doing what"ever job is needed. So, it was really easy for me to just step in there. (seeing it on film and seeing it in practice. Seeing other guys get reps at it" over the years. 

Saturday's Miami win didn't come easy as the Huskies scored a touchdown on their first play from scrimmage and went up 14-0 after two NIU possessions. 

After that, the RedHawks regrouped to score the game's final 25 points while holding Northern Illinois to 84 yards of offense over the final three quarters. 

"Our defense kind of locked them up," Shane said. "The offense started rolling (and) special teams blocked a punt for a safety. So it was really just a great team win. Everybody contributed."

It was the second straight win for Miami, who was the only MAC team to win on the road Saturday. It will try to even its season record at 3-3 when it meets Akron on the road this week. The Zips are also 1-0 in MAC play after defeating Central Michigan 28-22 Saturday.

Like his teammates, Shane is anxious for more "W's,"  He's also enjoying the moments.
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"This year has been a dream come true. It's been a blast. I've enjoyed every second of it, and I am looking forward to the rest of the year."

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